Tinubu Orders Mandatory Health Insurance Rollout in All MDAs

The President instructed the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) to issue a service-wide circular compelling compliance. He, however, emphasized the need for further constructive engagement with the private sector to ensure that businesses are not unduly constrained by the new requirements.

Five Key Directives

According to the directive, the mandatory rollout will be guided by five major provisions:

1. Employee Enrolment: All MDAs must enrol their employees in the NHIA health insurance plan. They may, if desired, provide additional private coverage in accordance with the Act.
2. Public Procurement Compliance: All entities participating in public procurement must present a valid NHIA-issued Health Insurance Certificate as part of their eligibility documents.
3. Licensing & Permits: Applicants seeking new or renewed licenses, permits, and other approvals from MDAs will be required to present valid NHIA Health Insurance Certificates.
4. Digital Verification: The NHIA will establish a digital platform for easy verification of Health Insurance Certificates to ensure transparency and accessibility.
5. Internal Monitoring: MDAs are mandated to develop internal procedures with the NHIA for verifying the authenticity of certificates and ensuring compliance monitoring.

Expanding Coverage, Cutting Out-of-Pocket Costs

The directive, according to the Presidency, aims to broaden access to healthcare, safeguard employees, reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses, and strengthen accountability in both the public and private sectors.

The NHIA Act, signed into law in 2022, provides for compulsory health insurance for all Nigerians and empowers the Authority to drive universal health coverage. However, nearly three years after its passage, health insurance penetration in Nigeria remains low, despite gradual improvements in the sector.

Analysts say Tinubu’s directive marks a significant step toward realizing universal health coverage, but success will depend on strict enforcement and effective collaboration between government and the private sector.